Today (Oct 4) marks the first time in Malaysia history that a first lady was indicted in the court, as pointed out by The Star.

Clad in all orange baju kurung and headscarf, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor appeared the court about 8.30am today and heard 17 charges involving money laundering of RM7 million read to her by Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi. The former Prime Minister’s wife pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

According to the daily, she was charged under Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001. The prosecutor team consisted of Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram and Ahmad Akram Gharib, while the accused was defended by Datuk K. Kumaraendran and Datuk Geethan Ram Vincent.

Prosecutor Sri Ram didn’t show leniency and suggested a bail of RM10 million. The defence team objected, saying, “The purpose of bail is to secure attendance and should not be punitive.”

Defence lawyer Geethan contended that Rosmah had been cooperative with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in the investigation which had been called-in three times. Geethan said his client had attended all of them without failure on June 5, Sept 26 and Oct 3.

He added it was Rosmah’s first time in court as she had no prior offences. Geethan asked a significant lower bail on his client behalf at RM250,000. Malaysiakini reported Rosmah was set for bail at RM2 million and a case mention would be conducted on November 8. [Read the full charges on the next page]

Meanwhile, her husband Datuk Sri Najib Razak was also charged in court today. Najib was brought into question by another anti-graft body yesterday before his wife’s arrest news broke out.

He entered Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Prevention Unit (Amla) headquarters at Menara KPJ in Jalan Tun Razak at 11am and left the building discreetly at 1.05pm, successfully avoided the reporters waiting outside.

Today, Najib faced another 3 charges for his criminal breach of trust in relation to SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1MDB. He was charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code in connection with the transfer of RM42 million to his private bank account, FMT reported.

It’s the fourth time Najib appeared before courts and his charges had surpassed 30 counts. He was first summoned to court on July 4, then Aug 8 and September 20. Among the charges included abuse of power, money laundering and criminal breach of trust.

FMT saw a group of supporters and curious onlookers were present outside the court at 6.45am today.